Coralville Brrr Fest is 10 short days away and the lineup of breweries just got a little bit bigger. According to an email from Brrr Fest organizers there are 6 more breweries added to the list. They are:
Parkside Brewing, Burlington
Lark Brewing, Waterloo
Barn Town Brewing, West Des Moines
Torrent Brewing Company, Ames
Quarter Barrel Arcade & Brewery, Cedar Rapids
Lionstone Brewing, Geneseo, Illinois
These breweries will join the huge list below. It should be a great weekend and I hope to see some of you there!
Participating Brewers
515 Brewing Co. (Des Moines, IA)
Alluvial Brewing Company (Ames, IA)
Another Road Brewing (Marion, IA)
Backpocket Brewing (Coralville, IA)
Ballast Point Brewing Company (San Diego, CA)
Barn Town Brewing (West Des Moines, IA)
Bent River Brewing Co. (Moline, IL)
Big Grove Brewery (Solon, IA)
Boone Valley Brewing (Boone, IA)
Cedar Ridge Vineyards, Winery, & Distillery (Swisher, IA)
CIB (Chefs In Black) Brewery (Carson, IA)
Confluence Brewing Company (Des Moines, IA)
Contrary Brewing Co. (Muscatine, IA)
Court Avenue Brewing Company (Des Moines, IA)
Deschutes Brewery (Bend, OR)
Exile Brewing Company (Des Moines, IA)
Firetrucker Brewery (Ankeny, IA)
Fox Brewing (West Des Moines, IA)
Franklin Street Brewing Company (Manchester, IA)
Front Street Brewery (Davenport, IA)
Granite City Food & Brewery (Davenport, IA)
Great River Brewery (Davenport, IA)
Green Tree Brewery (Le Claire, IA)
Iowa City Brewlab (Iowa City, IA)
Jackson Street Brewing (Sioux City, IA)
Kalona Brewing Company (Kalona, IA)
Keg Creek Brewing Company (Glenwood, IA)
Lake Time Brewery (Clear Lake, IA)
Lark Brewing (Waterloo, IA)
Lion Bridge Brewing Co. (Cedar Rapids, IA)
Lionstone Brewing Company (Geneseo, IL)
Lost Duck Brewing Co. (Fort Madison, IA)
Madhouse Brewing Company (Des Moines, IA)
Millstream Brewing (Amana, IA)
Mississippi River Distilling Company (Le Claire, IA)
Here’s what we’ve been waiting for! The Big Grove Brewery Richard the Whale Release information and tasting notes. The regular Richard the Whale was absolutely delicious and these variants are sounding amazing as well! I hope everyone gets a taste of what a great local Iowa brewery can do with dedicated brewers and staff. Cheers to Big Grove and I hope to see you at the 2nd Anniversary party!
Big Grove Brewery Thirsty happens.™ Richard the Whale Tasting Notes and Release Schedule
Click the link below to open up the PDF file to check the schedule!
This post is as much of a restaurant/bar review as it is a celebratory article on the success of craft brew in Iowa. Just a couple years back, I would “hate on” a place like this because the beer selection was terrible and it was popular. And most places that would have fit the criteria of that kind of establishment wouldn’t have cared that people like me thought the place sucked because they don’t need my money; they do just fine on their own.
I would have thought Wellman’s to fit directly into that category and for awhile I’d say they did. But the last few times I’ve been there I’ve noticed some changes; namely, a fine tap selection for a place that I would normally consider somewhat of a swanky nightclub. So it turns out I’m wrong, my jaw nearly hit the floor when I happened upon this place around midnight on a Friday, scratch that, early Saturday morning and saw that Tallgrass Zombie Monkey was on tap.
Wellman’s is clearly trying to improve their restaurant by catering to all types of individuals. In this case, they’ve reached out to the craft beer fan. They feature fine beers from the likes of New Belgium, Boulevard, Deschutes, Peace Tree, and they even have bottles of Rogue (Dead Guy). Only the most snobbish of beer snobs would turn their nose up at such a selection offered by a place that mostly caters to the bud light/cran-vodka type of crowd…or this guy.
The rest of the restaurant speaks for itself. The interior is expansive and modern. There’s an enjoyable lower level patio that is complete with its own bar. The rooftop is what it’s most known for. It is the biggest rooftop bar in all of Des Moines and you can make a solid argument that it’s the best outdoor hangout in the metro on a stunning summer evening. They keep it heated in the winter but regardless of the conditions, you’ll have to venture downstairs if you want a good beer as the craft selection is only offered at the main bar. A small price to pay in order to enjoy a good beer amongst the rest of the crowd who more interested in “getting their drink on”
I don’t have a lot to say about the food. I’ve only eaten there a couple of times but I remember their nachos being good. The foods not going to blow you away but wing night (Thursday) is worth checking out. It’s definitely passable for a place that’s not known for its food.
In closing, Wellman’s is a hot-spot that I don’t mind going to. Even though I’m not all about the ambiance that the music/decor creates there, being able to enjoy a great tasting beer makes it very tolerable. The staff here works hard and is managed very well. If you find yourself in the Jordan Creek area, resist the urge to stop at one of the legions of chain restaurants and visit Wellman’s. You’ll be glad you chose a restaurant that has more character and caters to a much larger crowd than a typical chain.
A couple of great sources have told me that Great Divide is coming to Iowa and being distributed by Johnson Brothers. The official announcement should come around September 18th. More good beer to hit our shelves soon! Yeti was one of the first Imperial Stouts I’ve ever had and I had it from the source. Baseball trips to Denver would find us rushing across the street to Great Divide to enjoy a pint or 10 on their patio. Looking forward to more! Here’s more about Great Divide:
ABOUT
During the late 80s, Brian Dunn spent 5 years overseas building farms in developing countries. Having grown up in a family that appreciated good food and drink, Dunn expanded his knowledge and passion for beer during his travels. Dunn eventually returned to Colorado, started homebrewing and went to graduate school. Upon graduation in 1993, when Denver’s craft beer scene barely existed, he set out to found what would eventually become one of America’s most decorated and celebrated craft breweries.
Beginning with a marketing study and a business plan, Dunn saw an opportunity in Denver’s Ballpark Neighborhood to brew uniquely balanced, flavorful beers. With financial help from family, friends and a loan from the City of Denver, his dream of brewing commercially became reality in 1994.
The brewery started small and in the beginning Dunn was the only full-time employee…brewing, bottling and selling to accounts all in the same day. As the brewery grew, the beer spoke for itself. Dunn’s beers were balanced, flavorful and representative of a lifestyle that is uniquely Colorado. While Great Divide’s ethos may be globally-inspired, our beers are distinctly Denver.
Since 1994 we’ve brewed all sorts of exciting beer styles, added lots of brewing capacity and we’ve assembled a great staff. In 2001, we bought our building – which used to be an old dairy processing plant – and set out for over a decade of exponential growth.
Thanks to our 45 hardworking, creative and passionate employees, Great Divide has grown into what it is today: winner of 18 Great American Beer Festival medals, recipient of 5 World Beer Cup awards, 12th in Ratebeer.com’s 2013 “Best Brewers in the World,” Ratebeer.com’s 2013 Top Brewer in Colorado, and 7th in Beer Advocate’s 2010 “All-Time Top Brewers.”
Join us for a beer at 22nd and Arapahoe in downtown Denver. We do it because we love it – come see how.
I’m a little late to the party with this bit of news since I’ve been out of the country for a bit but I found this piece of news on http://www.beerpulse.com. More breweries headed to Iowa, keep it coming!
(Los Angeles, CA) – Fireman’s Brew, a Los Angeles-based craft beer company founded by two firefighters, today announced that it is continuing to rapidly expand its distribution footprint across the nation into three new states: Virginia, Iowa and Oklahoma. Through newly signed distribution agreements with Virginia Imports (VA), L&L Distributing (IA) and Quality Beverage (OK), Fireman’s Brew award-winning beers will soon be available at on-premise and off-premise locations throughout each state.
This news follows on the heels of the company’s successful rollout into six new states including: Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Illinois, Nebraska and Rhode Island over the past nine months. In addition, Fireman’s Brew recently took home top honors at the 2013 San Diego International Beer Competition, earning a Gold Medal Ribbon for its signature Brunette (Doublebock) in the German-Style Bock category and a Silver Medal Ribbon for its Blonde (Pilsner-Style Lager) in the American-Style Lager category.
“2013 continues to be an amazing year of growth and achievement for Fireman’s Brew,” said Rob Nowaczyk, founder of Fireman’s Brew. “In just over six months, we’ve successfully launched Fireman’s Brew into Nebraska, Nevada and Rhode Island. And now with the addition of Virginia, Iowa and Oklahoma, we’re continuing towards our goal of developing Fireman’s Brew into a national brand. We’re excited for the opportunity to team up with our new distribution partners and connect with craft beer enthusiasts in each of these new markets.”
Already one of the fastest growing craft beer brands in its home state of California, Fireman’s Brew newly expanded distribution network provides an opportunity for the company to reach thousands of on-premise and retail outlets throughout each state. Through the agreement, Fireman’s Brew distribution partners will distribute Fireman’s Brew signature beers in 12-ounce bottle six-packs, twelve-pack samplers and kegs including:
“We’re excited to partner up with Fireman’s Brew and launch their brand into the great state of Iowa,” said Tim Lanphier, president of L&L Distributing. “Our craft beer market continues to flourish, and with the company’s three great tasting beers, compelling brand story and firefighter community tie-in, they’re going to be an excellent addition to our growing craft beer portfolio.”
Conceived by two Los Angeles-based firefighters after extinguishing a brushfire in the local mountains, Fireman’s Brew grew out of their vision to create a premium line of handcrafted ales and lagers that would quench their thirsts after an exhausting day on the firelines. Fireman’s Brew collection of micro-brewed beers are created using only the finest of all-natural ingredients to deliver bold, full-flavored, traditional tastes and easy drinking refreshment. In addition, the company is committed to giving back to the firefighter community upon which it was founded by donating a portion of company proceeds to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation – the nation’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to honoring fallen firefighters and providing assistance to their surviving families.
I’m a little late to the party with this bit of news since I’ve been out of the country for a bit but I found this piece of news on http://www.beerpulse.com. More breweries headed to Iowa, keep it coming!
(Los Angeles, CA) – Fireman’s Brew, a Los Angeles-based craft beer company founded by two firefighters, today announced that it is continuing to rapidly expand its distribution footprint across the nation into three new states: Virginia, Iowa and Oklahoma. Through newly signed distribution agreements with Virginia Imports (VA), L&L Distributing (IA) and Quality Beverage (OK), Fireman’s Brew award-winning beers will soon be available at on-premise and off-premise locations throughout each state.
This news follows on the heels of the company’s successful rollout into six new states including: Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Illinois, Nebraska and Rhode Island over the past nine months. In addition, Fireman’s Brew recently took home top honors at the 2013 San Diego International Beer Competition, earning a Gold Medal Ribbon for its signature Brunette (Doublebock) in the German-Style Bock category and a Silver Medal Ribbon for its Blonde (Pilsner-Style Lager) in the American-Style Lager category.
“2013 continues to be an amazing year of growth and achievement for Fireman’s Brew,” said Rob Nowaczyk, founder of Fireman’s Brew. “In just over six months, we’ve successfully launched Fireman’s Brew into Nebraska, Nevada and Rhode Island. And now with the addition of Virginia, Iowa and Oklahoma, we’re continuing towards our goal of developing Fireman’s Brew into a national brand. We’re excited for the opportunity to team up with our new distribution partners and connect with craft beer enthusiasts in each of these new markets.”
Already one of the fastest growing craft beer brands in its home state of California, Fireman’s Brew newly expanded distribution network provides an opportunity for the company to reach thousands of on-premise and retail outlets throughout each state. Through the agreement, Fireman’s Brew distribution partners will distribute Fireman’s Brew signature beers in 12-ounce bottle six-packs, twelve-pack samplers and kegs including:
“We’re excited to partner up with Fireman’s Brew and launch their brand into the great state of Iowa,” said Tim Lanphier, president of L&L Distributing. “Our craft beer market continues to flourish, and with the company’s three great tasting beers, compelling brand story and firefighter community tie-in, they’re going to be an excellent addition to our growing craft beer portfolio.”
Conceived by two Los Angeles-based firefighters after extinguishing a brushfire in the local mountains, Fireman’s Brew grew out of their vision to create a premium line of handcrafted ales and lagers that would quench their thirsts after an exhausting day on the firelines. Fireman’s Brew collection of micro-brewed beers are created using only the finest of all-natural ingredients to deliver bold, full-flavored, traditional tastes and easy drinking refreshment. In addition, the company is committed to giving back to the firefighter community upon which it was founded by donating a portion of company proceeds to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation – the nation’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to honoring fallen firefighters and providing assistance to their surviving families.
When AB-InBev bought Goose Island a few years back, I vowed to stay away from their beers solely on the basis of any trying to support craft breweries. It hasn’t been all that difficult to do, except for the occasional Bourbon County Stout, Matilda, or Sofie. But now, after trying Sofie Paradisi, the task may prove to be more daunting than originally thought.
I know many of you will scoff at the idea of not drinking Goose Island just because InBev owns it now, and that’s fine, to each his own. But when a beer gets this much pub and chatter about it, you just have to get your hands on it. Well, I wasn’t able to find this beer anywhere in Iowa, but on a recent trip up north to Madison my wife and I stopped and ate at the Craftsman Table and Tap (http://www.craftsmantableandtap.com/) in Middleton, WI. A really great beer menu to go along with some fantastic food (I recommend the pulled brisket sandwich and a side order of cheese curds) my eyes darted right to where the listing for Sofie Paradisi was. YES! Finally!
The difference between Goose Island Sofie and Goose Island Sofie Paradisi uses grapefruit instead of orange peel. The grapefruit is definitely in the nose along with the earthiness that accompanies a saison style brew. Along with grapefruit rind you get yeast, grassiness, and a little hop bitterness. Overall, a highly drinkable beer. More from the brewery:
60% Ale Aged in barrels with grapefruit rind and juice, 40% Ale (Base Sofie)
Now the question is…which one is better? If you’ve had both feel free to cast your vote below. I’m still up in the air, I would love to have Paradisi a few more times before giving my final verdict.
REVIEW
Style: Fruit Beer/Saison
ABV: 6.7%
Purchased at: Craftsman Table and Tap; Middleton, WI
Pour: Golden pour with a thick pillowy head.
Aroma: Yeast, grapefruit, earthiness
Flavor: A bit of oak, grapefruit, yeast, a bit peppery
Ratebeer.com rating: 97
Beeradvocate rating: 95
Overall: A-
My recommendation: A perfect summer beer. Really would love to get my hands on a few bottles of this. Terrific brew!
The next part of the successful Madhouse Brewing (www.madhousebeer.com) Venture Series is due to hit Eastern Iowa shelves next week. Their summer seasonal Belgian Golden Ale will be making its way to Eastern Iowa. From the Madhouse Brewing Facebook page:
This Belgian Golden Ale features the Nelson Sauvin hop from New Zealand. This hop variety is named for its aromatic similarity to Sauvignon Blanc wines. This creates a complex aroma which mixes the spice and clove from the Belgian yeast with tropical fruit and citrus from the hops. This beer finishes clean and crisp to make it the perfect summer release.
I’m really excited for this release as I’ve been exploring more Belgian style brews lately. Also, if you haven’t had their Maple nut-brown, I’ve seen some bombers still on the shelves. I really enjoyed that beer, give it a shot! Support Iowa craft beer!
Here is the latest update on Deschutes Brewery hitting the Eastern Iowa market. If you want to learn more on the beers that this brewery puts out, head on over to www.deschutesbrewery.com. The following comes from http://www.beerpulse.com. Here ya go:
IOWA! (July 20-25) We’re excited to begin selling our beer in your fine state at the end of July. We’re kicking things off at the Cityview Beer Fest with Deschutes beer officially for sale on Monday, July 22nd. Stay tuned for event details at: http://www.deschutesbrewery.com/events and look for our team in Des Moines, Iowa City and Cedar Rapids.
—
FLAVORS OF THE SEASON
TWILIGHT SUMMER ALE Break out those lawnmowers, BBQ’s and camping gear, because it’s ti me for the return of the summer beers. Twilight Summer Ale is a great compliment to those warm days and long nights where whole flower Amarillo, Northern Brewers, Cascade and Tettnang hops blend perfectly with sweet malts for a sensational seasonal ale. This clever, straw colored ale makes you think that you’re sippin’ on pure sunshine in a glass. Grab a 6-pack or two to share this summer ale with those you love most!
SEASONAL 5.0% ABV | 35 IBU’s Availability: May-September in 6-packs, 12-packs and draft where Deschutes beer is sold
FRESH SQUEEZED IPA Perfectly named, this beer tastes like freshly juiced hops with a hint of malt to provide the perfect balance of flavors and aromas. Citra and Mosiac hops give the beer its tangerine AND citrus-like flavors and are a perfect combination to create a “fresh hop” flavor without using fresh hops. Enjoy a pint of this magnificent IPA on your back porch, with friends or with your favorite home cooked meal and SQUEEZE every last drop from your bottle…
BOND STREET SERIES 6.4%ABV | 60 IBU’s Availability: June-September in 22-oz bottles and on draft where Deschutes beer is sold
BLACK BUTTE XXV Happy 25th Birthday to us! This luscious dark imperial porter has a dried fruit sweetness from figs and dates, chocolate notes from cocoa nibs, a slight tartness from added currants, and a hint of vanilla from Bourbon barrel aging. Grab a snifter at our pubs’ 25th Birthday Celebrations on June 27th or grab a bottle at a bottle shop near you. Since we are still aging this delicious brew, specs will soon be available on our website. Cheers to 25 years of craft beers!
RESERVE SERIES ABV and IBU’s TBD Availability: Limited availability in 22-oz bottles and on draft where Deschutes beer is sold beginning late June
Coralville Brrr Fest is 10 short days away and the lineup of breweries just got a little bit bigger. According to an email from Brrr Fest organizers there are 6 more breweries added to the list. They are:
